Captain Nathanael Greene Herreshoff’s (NGH) impact on the boat-building industry is undisputed, as he designed more than 2,000 boats and developed many innovations that are still in use today. He was one of the most prolific watercraft designers ever, including the still-popular 12½, initially called the Buzzard’s Bay Boys Boat.
New H-20 Sailing Yacht by Captain Nathanael Greene Herreshoff’s nearly complete
Based on that design, NGH was inspired to carve the model of a finely lined hull form to produce an improved 12½ in 1928. In his notebook he described it as “a pleasure sailing keel boat, to replace the Buzzard’s Bay Boys Boat.” But it was never built in his lifetime and sat unnoticed for nearly 80 years.
Until now. Working in collaboration with Herreshoff Designs and in true Bristol fashion, Dan Shea of Bristol Boat Company is building this long forgotten boat with expert craftsmanship from NGH’s notes, exquisitely fitted and delivered fully found.
To be known as the H-20 Class, these boats now being built are the first to be built to NGH’s design. Hull #1 is nearly complete and NGH’s influence on boat-building history will once again be seen. This new class of recreational and sail-training boats will have greater sailing abilities and a deeper, bigger and drier cockpit than the 121/2 . An electric inboard auxiliary is optional. Principle dimensions are:
LOA: 19’10”
LWL: 17’4”
Beam: 6’ 9.5”
Draft: 3’1”
“We are pleased to be working with such an exceptional boatbuilder to make my grandfather’s design come to life,” said Halsey Herreshoff, principal in Herreshoff Designs.
About Dan Shea
Dan has 30-plus years of hands-on experience in the construction and restoration of fine yachts working with world class yacht designers. He has participated in building more than 70 custom yachts including boats of all types and materials, ranging in size from a 10-fot carbon tender to a 60-meter alloy motor yacht.
About Herreshoff Designs
Principals Halsey Herreshoff and Adam Langerman lead a highly qualified team in the design and engineering of custom modern yachts. Many of these combine the elegance of classic lines with the timeless demands of the sea for safe and pleasurable sailing and powering. Herreshoff Designs has all the facilities for design, engineering, prototypes, construction, restoration and yacht management.
